High Five for Whole Grains!

Are you afraid to eat a delicious toasted sandwich out of fear the carbs will make you fat? There is so much hate for carbohydrates it is easy to get caught up in the hype and forget what carbohydrates especially whole grains can do to keep you healthy. Here are the reasons you should love whole gains and how it can not only keep you healthy but help to maintain a healthy body weight too!

Whole grains have many positives for your body including a high fibre content which helps you stay regular and cleans out the colon. Fibre also helps your waistline by keeping you fuller for longer.

On top of this whole grains also contain important B vitamins including thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and folate. As well as the minerals iron, selenium and magnesium. All these play different important roles in keep us functioning optimally.

A diet which includes whole grains has been associated with a decreased risk of:

1. Coronary heart disease
2. Type 2 diabetes 
3. High blood pressure. 
4. Some cancers including colorectal cancer.  

There is even more good news for the mighty whole grain! Whole grains which are have been associated with less tooth decay aka less trips to the dentist. They also help feed the good bacteria in your guts which promote a healthy metabolism, immune system and mental health. 

So now you understand how great a carbohydrate can be how can you include more whole grains in the diet?

1. Swapping white bread for whole grain or multi grain bread.
2. Swapping white bread for brown rice.
3. Try RICE THINS Wholegrain, Whole Grain Thins™ Ancient Grains or Corn Thins® products instead of refined crackers. 
4. Some great breakfast cereals to try are porridge or Weetabix or check out the recipe ideas on this website for tastebud tantalising ideas.
5. Snack on some lightly salted popcorn (best way to manage the lightly is to buy some corn kernels and make from scratch)
6. Give quinoa a go as an alternative to rice or pasta.

Take home message: Not all carbs are equal and whole grains are your body’s best friend for optimal health. Whole grains deserve a high five for all they do for your body and its time to put to bed the fear that all carbs will make you fat fad.

References:

1. http://www.m.webmd.com/diet/reaping-benefits-whole-grains
2. http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101

Ashleigh Feltham (MNutrDiet)

Feed Your Future Dietetics

Accredited Practicing Dietitian | Accredited Nutritionist
W www.feedyourfuturedietetics.com